Too bad there’s more than 20 minutes in a hockey game. Toronto’s 3-1 first period lead vanished with 5 unanswered goals as the Leafs drop their second home game to the New York Islanders 7-4. Toronto came out hard following their road win in Pittsburgh but ran dry in the second allowing the Islanders to dominate.
The Leafs started the scoring with Carl Gunnarsson beating NY’s netminder, Evgeni Nabokov, 2:12 into the first. Gunnarsson recorded a goal and two assists in the loss. Matt Moulson answered for the Islanders to tie the game 1-1 sliding the puck past Toronto goalie Ben Scrivens. Scrivens was pulled in the third after giving up five goals on 25 shots. The kids put Toronto ahead with Nazem Kadri and Mikail Grabovski each beating Nabokov and ending the first up 3-1.
The next period was a different story. Momentum quickly swung in New York’s favour with Mark Streit and Brad Boyes scoring 1:26 apart to even the match. With the flood gates open, New York took to the ice on fire in the third scoring their 4th and 5th goal 72 seconds apart. Moulson upped the lead to three with his second goal of the night.
There was a glimpse of hope for the boys in blue with Matt Frattin scoring late in the third but an empty netter put out Toronto’s flame.
On the bright side, Kadri was hot with a goal and an assist and Frattin showed some serious potential in his first game call up from the Marlies covering for injured winger Jofferey Lupul.
Toronto gets a rest and heads to New York to play the Rangers on Saturday.
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Coach Carlyle called his boys out and they answered handing the Pens their first loss of the season 5-2. James van Riemsdyk proved his worth jamming in two goals for Toronto and goalie James Reimer stopped 28 shots in the win. Clarke MacArthur, Mikhail Grabovski and Tyler Bozak also scored for the Leafs spoiling Pittsburgh’s home-opening night.
Evgeni Malkin, reigning MVP, scored the first goal for the Pens past a shaky Reimer late in the first. Pittsburgh, coming off two big road wins against the Rangers and Philly, looked poised to dominate. Toronto came back with two quick goals in the second only to witness Sidney Crosby break away and tally his first goal of the season to tie the game 2-2. After the Kid’s goal it was Toronto’s show with JVR’s second goal of the night giving the Leafs a 3-2 edge. Toronto kept the pressure on with Grabovski adding to the lead and Bozak sealing the deal with a power play goal in the third.
With the win however, Toronto lost winger Joffery Lupul who left in the second after taking a shot from teammate Dion Phaneuf in the arm. The Leafs see action again tonight looking for their first at home victory.
A successful hockey player brings many components to the ice: speed, strength, and endurance to name just a few. Though often overlooked, perhaps the most pivotal component of all is a passion for the game and the work it takes to succeed in a professional arena. Binghamton Senators Eric Gryba brings just that to the AHL; it’s easy to see why this 24-year-old Saskatchewan native has been a solid line of defence for the past three years. With a genuine personality, it’s clear that Gryba is appreciative of those that surround him on and off the ice.
A late addition to the 2012-13 AHL All-Star roster, Gryba will be taking the place of teammate Andre Benoit, who is currently playing in the NHL.
“Its an honor, it’ll be a good experience I’m sure,” said Gryba of his All-Star bid. “It’s nice to be able to take Benoit’s spot on the roster, he’s a great player and it shows, as he’s in the NHL right now.”
With an exciting weekend ahead, Gryba will join other AHL elite in an east versus west match up on Monday. Prior to Monday’s game, fans will have the opportunity to see possibly the most entertaining moments of the weekend during the skills competition held Sunday. “I sure hope they put me in hardest shot, I don’t want to do puck handling,” laughs Gryba. “My shot’s gonna be harder than my hands are.”
As a versatile, physical defenceman, it’s no surprise that Gryba has reached this point in his career. A product of a collegiate powerhouse, Gryba won a national championship with Boston University during the 2008-09 season. While the transition from college to professional play can be tricky, it proved successful for the 6’3″ Canadian. The transition and each individual season can hold lasting memories for a player, one memory in particular came during his first professional season.
“Winning the Calder Cup has been the highlight of my career so far,” said Gryba. “We had a great season my first year, I was able to contribute and it’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
As with any line you skate, success stems from hard work and for most professional hockey players it begins at a young age. Getting a feel for the ice around the age of 3, Gryba began lacing the skates and playing the game by the time he was 5-years old. While fond memories surround anyone with a love for the game, other memories stick with a player as well.
“Growing up playing weekend tournaments and games at small town Saskatchewan rinks, you’ve never been quite so cold,” said Gryba. “Your parents have to come during intermission and rub your toes to get back the feeling,” he continued. “It makes Saskatchewan kids a little bit tougher than the rest.”
While that Saskatchewan toughness earned as a child computes to the ice, he lends a different attitude to the locker room.
“I’m somewhat of a loud voice in the locker room,” he laughs. “Between pranks and little jokes- it keeps the atmosphere light.”
Being a prankster is just one component that characterizes his off-ice demeanor and earned him a fan base in Binghamton. Another could be the respect he garners for his family, “My family has always been extremely supportive in everything I’ve done,” he said. “They’ve been my biggest supporters and toughest critics.”
Enduring criticism is all part of the game, as a player you skate for a dream that may never come, but for the lucky few it does. Gryba thoughtfully shares advice given to him long ago.
“Don’t let anybody tell you you can’t do something,” he continued. “If you think you can do it and you work hard, well it’d be a shame if you stopped short.”
Obviously heeding his own advice, Gryba’s All-Star bid is just an exciting moment of proof that hard work both on and off the ice proves successful in building a lasting professional hockey career.
It’s ODR (outdoor rink) season and for most of us, that means practically arctic temperatures. Whether you’re lacing the skates up yourself, or cheering from the sidelines—looking cute while staying warm is a priority. Layering is key and that’s what we’ve done with our ODR Penguins look. T-shirt, sweater, socks, boots, jacket and all the winter accessories. Mix and match patterns in the same color scheme and you’ll be ready to beat all the elements. Make sure to pick a bag that will fit not only your skates but all the extra winter necessities.
We went with a penguin theme, but feel free to mix and match the colors to support your team. Love the Bruins, use a bear, support the Canucks, killer whales would make an adorable substitution. Get creative and be sure to send us pictures on how you’ve made the look your own!
Bundle up and play some hockey, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Today the American Hockey League announced some changes to rosters for the upcoming All-Star Game and Skills Competition. As in the case with any All-Star games, some players are just physically unable to participate due to injuries that they have sustained. Other players that were slated to participate in this All-Star Game for the AHL are currently playing in the NHL. There were seven changes to the Eastern Conference roster and three changes to the roster from the West.
In the Eastern Conference, the AHL announced today that Andre Benoit (Binghamton Senators), Alexandre Bolduc (Portland Pirates), Chris Bourque (Providence Bruins), Peter Holland (Norfolk Admirals), Tim Kennedy (Worcester Sharks), Tomas Kundratek (Hershey Bears), and Zach Redmond (St. John’s IceCaps) will all be unavailable. Instead, taking their places will be Emerson Etem (Norfolk Admirals), Eric Gryba (Binghamton Senators), Radko Gudas (Syracuse Crunch), Bracken Kearns (Worcester Sharks), Derek Meech (St. John’s IceCaps), Jamie Tardiff (Providence Bruins), and Jeff Taffe (Hershey Bears).
In the Western Conference, the AHL announced the following three players would not able to participate in the All-Star Classic: Brendan Gallagher (Hamilton Bulldog), Mike Kostka (Toronto Marlies), and Brett Sterling (Chicago Wolves). Instead, fans will see Gabriel Dumont (Hamilton Bulldogs), Matt Frattin (Toronto Marlies), and Brad Hunt (Chicago Wolves) compete for the West instead.
Each of the 30 AHL teams still have at least one player representing them at the games with the replacements announced today. The AHL plays games through Saturday, January 26th. The All-Star Classic kicks off in Providence, RI with the Skills Competition on Sunday, January 27th and concludes with the All-Star Game on Monday, January 28th. Normal play will resume for the AHL on Thursday, January 31st.
Jim McIsaac, Getty Images
The Philadelphia Flyers are 0-3 on the season and now they’re down one of their most versatile forwards. Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren announced Wednesday night that Scott Hartnell will be out indefinitely with a left foot injury. Hartnell earned himself a six-year $28.5 million contract extension over the summer after posting 37 goals and 30 assists for the Flyers last season. The Flyers are certainly finding themselves on rough ice to begin the season, but look to change the tides tomorrow night when the Rangers skate into Philadelphia for a 7 pm start.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out our interview with Hartnell: Hartnell Has Heart
The Vancouver Giants partnered with several schools throughout the Lower Mainland and hosted an Acceptance Flash Mob in honour of Anti-Bullying Day. The flash mob happened during the second period in the game against the Everett Silvertips Sunday night.
There were just under 2,000 school children, from the various elementary and secondary schools, who took part in the choreographed number to One Direction’s What Makes You Beautiful, unveiling pink shirts as a part of their routine.
Anti-Bullying Day, also known as Pink Shirt Day, takes place on the last Wednesday of February. This year’s Anti-Bullying Day will take place on Wednesday February 27, 2013 and all participants of Anti-Bullying Day are encouraged to wear pink, which symbolizes a stand against bullying.
The Vancouver Giants would like to thank all those involved for their hard work in helping support acceptance and spreading awareness against bullying.
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For the 13th season running, Hockey Night in Canada’s Ron MacLean and Don Cherry will be hosting “Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada” from this years location of Peterborough, ON, on February 9th. All seven Canadian NHL teams will be featured in action throughout the day.
Fans and players alike have a passion for the sport, “Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada connects Canadians to the game they love with stories from communities across the country and live looks at local celebrations taking place from coast-to-coast-to-coast. The theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Heart’ and throughout the day CBC will present viewers with stories that demonstrate the passion that brings people and communities together through the game of hockey, and life lessons learned by being involved in grassroots hockey.”
Many might recall the overwhelming success of last year’s Hockey Day in Canada, which was broadcast from the beautiful province of Prince Edward Island (PEI). To get Canadian’s excited for the event, CBC will be hosting on-ice clinics and school visits with none other than Lord Stanley’s Cup. On February 9th, the day will kick off with a 2 pm ET puck drop as the Edmonton Oilers visit the Detroit Red Wings, while the Winnipeg Jets play host to the Ottawa Senators.
For up to date events and information, be sure to check out Scotiabank Hockey Day or follow @CBCHockeyDay on Twitter.
Hockey was back at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto Monday night after a 113-day lockout. Other than that, not much has changed. The Leafs dropped their home opener 2-1 to the Buffalo Sabres in front of an anything but rowdy crowd. For the 12th time in 14 games, Toronto can’t seem to capitalize on its home-ice advantage.
Sabres goalie, Ryan Miller, was nothing short of spectacular stopping 34 shots and allowing only one goal late in the third. Despite multiple power play advantages the Leafs could not get the puck past the Buffalo netminder. With the win Miller improves his all-time record to 28-14-0 against Toronto. Leafs rookie goalie, Ben Scrivens, had 18 saves in the loss.
Buffalo, coming off their home opener win against Philly on Sunday, went ahead midway through the first when Christian Ehrhoff’s shot went off Cody Hodgson’s upper body scooting past Scrivens. Buffalo captain, Jason Pominville, added to the Sabres lead later in the second with a pass from Thomas Vanek. The two forces combined for a stellar home game last Sunday with Vanek boasting 2 goals and 3 assists and Pominville following suit with 3 assists.
Toronto’s Nazem Kadri gave the Leafs a glimmer of hope with the lone Toronto goal 1:42 left in the third. Home fans finally began to cheer when 25 seconds later Joffrey Lupul appeared to tie the game. The goal was reviewed and waived off as a hand puck.
Toronto heads to Pittsburgh on Wednesday hoping to repeat their winning away performance in Montreal.
The Providence Bruins took on the Connecticut Whale yesterday afternoon in Providence. Bruins fans thought they might be destined to go home unhappy when rookie forward and World Junior Championship gold medalist JT Miller from Connecticut capitalized on the first shot of the game for the Whale. However, that would be the only goal Niklas Svedberg of the Bruins allowed past him. The team did their part to help their goalie, only allowing fifteen shots.
After the first goal by the Whale, the Bruins had a number of good chances on 6’8 goaltender Jason Missiaen. Jamie Tardiff put the Providence Bruins on the scoreboard registering his 18th on the season after one-timing a pass from Ryan Spooner. Justin Florek had the secondary assist.
Less than a minute and a half later, the Bruins added another goal and held onto a 2-1 lead going into the first intermission. David Warsofsky, who had just been reassigned to Providence after participating in Boston Bruins training camp, took a shot from the blue line that got past Missiaen. Matt Bartkowski and Ryan Spooner had the assists.
“We know Connecticut likes to block a lot of shots, so I just tried to move my feet and find a lane,” Warsofsky said of his goal. “We had good traffic and I was able to find the back of the net.”
With Providence leading 2-1, tensions got a little higher during the second and finally boiled over when a fight broke out. Tyler Randell of Providence and Jason Wilson of Connecticut exchanged a few punches before Wilson fell to the ice. The referees separated the skaters, but it would not be the only case of tensions boiling over.
Later in the second, the Bruins finally capitalized on a powerplay, notching the only powerplay goal of the game. It was a slow start as the Bruins were having trouble getting set up and the Whale had a shorthanded chance. But the Bruins came charging back down the ice and Warsofsky passed the puck right across the front of the net and Carter Camper shot it in, making it look easy. It was Camper’s 4th on the season and he is now stepping up to fill a bigger role with the NHL season back underway.
“Losing Chris Bourque has really gotten Carter Camper going. He’s the center piece of the powerplay,” Head Coach, Bruce Cassidy, said. “It’s something he does really well and takes a lot of pride in. Carter has been great.”
About half way through the second, another fight broke out, this time between Bobby Robins of Providence and Dylan McIlrath of Connecticut. There was a flurry of punches exchanged between the two skaters as they moved around the ice. The punches continued for a while in a long fight between the two that the officials eventually stepped in to break up. It was a relatively even fight.
However, it was in the third that it became clear that the game had gotten a little rougher. Just under three minutes into the third a more serious scrum broke out, triggered by Justin Florek of Providence running into the Connecticut goaltender. Two sets of players squared off and threw punches before all falling to the ice. The officials handed out fighting majors to Ryan Bourque and Sam Klassen of Connecticut as well as Ryan Button and Tommy Cross of Providence in addition to a pair of roughing penalties and the initial goaltender interference on Florek. The result was a powerplay for Connecticut.
The Bruins sealed their win with just over five minutes left to go in the game. Veteran forward Graham Mink had the puck behind the net and shot it out to Kyle MacKinnon who had no trouble burying it. Although Connecticut continued to try to create pressure, they were just not able to get anything set up. The result was that Providence topped Connecticut 4-1.
Although Connecticut only registered 15 shots, scoring on the very first one, it comes off as slightly deceptive. Svedberg did come up with some good saves to keep his team on top and help to deliver the win. The Bruins defense also played well in front of him, controlling the area right around the net. After the first half of the first period, the Bruins were definitely the better team and played that way.
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Too bad there’s more than 20 minutes in a hockey game. Toronto’s 3-1 first period lead vanished with 5 unanswered goals as the Leafs drop their second home game to the New York Islanders 7-4. Toronto came out hard following their road win in Pittsburgh but ran dry in the second allowing the Islanders to dominate.
